to the firm's title.

The wholesaler is in the process of having its name legally changed to Winter-Cookson, Petty Ltd.

Mr. Petty, 67, said yesterday the honour was in recognition of his service to the company.

"I've been with the company for 37 years and have been the largest shareholder for some time,'' he said.

"My swan song as I head towards retirement is having my name added to the title. You could call it a reward for my service.

"Having two sons working for the business and another son on the board, I felt it was time the name of Petty was added to the firm's name.

"A request was made to shareholders and they agreed to it at this year's AGM in August.'' Winter-Cookson was in a state of near bankruptcy when he became president in the 1950s, he said.

"But a team effort helped pull this company around so that today it is one of the leaders in the community,'' he added.

Mr. Petty has given up the president's role at the company to Mr. Keith Winter, 57, over the last few years, and became Winter-Cookson's chairman.

Mr. Petty's son, Steven, 40, is currently vice president and a director and is being groomed to take over as president when Mr. Winter retires.

Another of Mr. Petty's sons, Timothy, is a director and salesman with Winter-Cookson, while a third son, Kevin, who owns Somers Realty, is a shareholder.

Winter-Cookson was formed 43 years ago by Captain Ross Winter and Major Bill Cookson.